MK CIL Newsletter December 2023

MK CIL Newsletter December 2023

Merry Christmas from MK CIL

MK CIL Newsletter December 2023

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Contents Page 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MK CIL Newsletter December 2023

Contents Chris’s Chat Accessibility The Parks Trust Answers to November Crossword December Crossword Searching for Volunteers Westcroft Shop MK Gallery MK CIL Contact Details

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Chris’s Chat

I have had a very busy month and now must settle down to sorting out my Christmas arrangements.

I attended a meeting at the city centre NatWest Bank. There were people there from all the organisations and charities that support and advise people that are going through a cost-of-living crisis. It is good for MKCIL to have a list of such organisations and charities. We are then able to sign post people onto them when we don’t have the knowledge to help them.

The White Ribbon Vigil The Vigil was attended by The High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire Dame Ann Limb DBE DL. Also, the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Councillor Mick Legg. There was a long list of speakers. Some telling their personal story and others were from organisations and charities that support women that have been abused. After the speakers a vigil was held at MK Rose, Campbell Park. I was unable to attend due to the cold weather. The Pink Punters bus was there offering hot drinks. I went over to read a board on the side of the bus. I was invited on board, I laughed there were three large steps. I said I would love to but didn’t think I would make the steps. Hey presto a ramp appeared. I spent a very pleasant time chatting to people on the bus.

I honestly don’t know about Milton Keynes. I know in London it was very difficult for a disabled woman to leave an abusive relationship. The woman's shelters were not wheelchair accessible.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and very Happy New year.

Don’t forget after you have read Ernie’s Access News, he will always answer any questions you may have.

Christine Checkley, Chair MK CIL

MK CIL Newsletter December 2023

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Accessibility

Let us

IN to buildings and housing GET ABOUT on transport and the streets PARTICIPATE get involved with what affects us i.e. ‘EVERYTHING’

AND LISTEN TO US

Hello again all and a Happy Christmas and a successful and accessible New Year.

Why not make your New Year’s resolution that you will do something towards making MK a more Accessible City so that Disabled individuals of whatever disability can move about the city either within the Public Realm or on the available transport, enter into all offices, shops and public buildings and be able to enjoy being there and be able to fully participate in whatever is happening there.

The month has been in accord with the tradition for the season i.e. not much happening, at least locally. There has been communication on the Redway Design Manual and we have been told that the comments received are being assessed and that a revised version will be issued for review. So, something to look forward to in the New Year or possibly even an early Christmas present.

There has been an e-scooter meeting and I must say was the most productive I think there has been in the total story of the MK Trial, however it feels much like the start all over again. Can we now see it being taken forward with all relevant stakeholders having input into developing something that is suitable for everybody and particularly without the most vulnerable being put at the most risk and causing even greater levels of isolation and loneliness.

In a way that brings me to the issue we’ve been championing for some time now Streets for All and developing a design that enables all to use the streets safely and easily within their own area.

You would have thought that an advanced forward-thinking city like Milton Keynes would be at the forefront of designing a street scape that matched the requirements of the modern world and all its residents and visitors to it.

We are meant to be building the future city as dementia friendly but isn’t that a limited ambition shouldn’t we be developing a city for ALL. Mind you achieving the first would be something although will not help all and be to the detriment of some.

As it’s the season of naff rhymes I’ll close with this one As we head into twenty twenty four Perhaps this year we’ll open the door Accessibility will be the word of the year And by its end we’ll be in good cheer Because we can travel the pavements without fear And enter everywhere and raise a glass, possibly beer That MKCC will do what it has longtime claimed And at its close not be ashamed That accessible is no better than it is NOW Remember

MK CIL Newsletter December 2023

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“When you design something for people living with disabilities to use and access, you are designing it for everyone to use and access.”

That’s all folks. Au Revoir & a Happy Festive Break and 2024 Ernie Boddington. Accessibility Lead MK CIL

Ernie Boddington, Trustee MK CIL

Enjoy the great outdoors this Winter Friday 22nd of December marks the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year and the astronomical start to our coldest season.

This calm period gives nature a chance to rest, creating a sense of peacefulness across Milton Keynes' landscape.

• • •

https://www.theparkstrust.com/ info@theparkstrust.com 01908 233600

•

The Parks Trust, Campbell Park Pavilion, 1300 Silbury Boulevard Campbell Park, Milton Keynes, MK9 4AD

MK CIL Newsletter December 2023

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Answers to November Crossword - Isle of Wight

MK CIL Newsletter December 2023

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December Crossword, Christmas - Answers in January Edition

Across 3 From which country do Poinsettias originate?

4 Two of Santa’s reindeer were named after weather phenomena. One was Donner meaning Thunder in German, name the other.

5 In a traditional pantomime, what was Aladdin’s surname?

8 What did Santa Claus win in 1964?

9 In the 12 days of Christmas song, what were the 10 lords doing?

11 In which city would you find Wenceslas Square?

12 When Kevin is left home alone for the first time, where is the family’s destination for their Christmas vacation?

15 Which English ruler banned the singing of Christmas songs?

16 What Christmas product was invented by a London sweet maker named Tom Smith?

18 What was the name of the reindeer belonging to Kristoff in the Disney film “Frozen”?

19 In which fictional land is it always winter but never Christmas?

Down 1 What Christmas food is made from a mix of apple, dried fruit, candied fruit, spices and suet?

2 What was the first Christmas song broadcast from space in 1965?

5 Which famous puppets starred alongside Michael Caine in a film that was an adaptation of the novel “A Christmas Carol”?

6 Who plays the Prime Minister in the 2003 film “Love Actually”?

7 What is the name of the German / Austrian yeast cake often served at Christmas?

10 Thousands of what marched to London from Norfolk just before Christmas in Victorian times?

13 Name the alcoholic ingredient of a snowball cocktail?

14 Which country gives a Christmas tree to Britain every year?

17 Christmas Island is located in which island?

MK CIL Newsletter December 2023

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MK CIL are always looking for new volunteers.

If anyone has any free time and is interested in joining our team of volunteers, please contact us.

Our contact details are on the back page.

We have vacancies for: • • • •

Trustees Treasurer Information Officers Benefit Form Fillers

Full training will be given.

MK CIL Newsletter December 2023

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Westcroft Community Shop MK CIL and MK Samaritans benefit greatly from the proceeds of Westcroft Community Shop.

Any kind donations to support the good work that the staff and volunteers at the shop do, would be very much appreciated.

They want what you don’t need! All those unwanted Birthday, Wedding or Christmas presents that you don’t know what to do with. Take them to the shop and pop in for a browse around, you will be pleasantly surprised at what is on sale.

If you have any unwanted goods or would like to volunteer in the shop, please contact: Address: Wimborne Crescent Westcroft MK4 4DE Phone: 01908 506640

Exhibitions Until 28th January Beyond the Page • • •

Adult Creative Workshops Children’s Workshops Cinema

For latest details about exhibitions and films at MK Gallery visit their website: https://www.mkgallery.org Or phone 01908 676900

MK CIL Newsletter December 2023

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If you have any comments to make on this newsletter or have any contributions for future editions please contact us Founded in 1992

MK CIL Milton Keynes Centre for Integrated Living 330 Saxon Gate West Central Milton Keynes MK9 2ES Tel: 01908 231344 Email: info@mkcil.org.uk Web: http://www.mkcil.org.uk/

MK CIL is a Charity All donations gratefully received

MK CIL Supported by

Charity number 1096402 Company number 4391864

MK CIL Newsletter December 2023

MK Community Shop Westcroft Ltd

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